Marketing

With a world full of consumers making purchasing decisions every day, it is the job of marketing professionals to know what people need and to educate buyers so they can make informed decisions about which products to purchase.

Convincing a specific target audience that your product is better than that of the competition is the essence of marketing. Marketing executives need to be great communicators, outstanding listeners and of course be creative problem solvers who are immune to stress, deadlines and demanding bosses.

In this video, Kerri describes her professional development as a Marketing major and her career path with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Then check out these additional career fields you might find of interest.

Career Fields

Sales

Industrial Sales

Consumer Product Sales

Financial Services Sales

Services Sales

Advertising Sales

Strategies: Obtain experience through internships or sales jobs. Gain opportunities in leadership experiences, through volunteer or student activities. Become well organized. Develop a strong commitment to customer satisfaction. Learn to work well under pressure and be comfortable in a competitive environment.

Purchasing/Procurement

Strategies: Obtain excellent written and oral communication skills. Develop strong computer skills. Supplement program with courses in logistics and purchasing.

Retail

Buying

Store Management

Strategies: Obtain retail experience through summer, part-time, or internship positions. Present a consistent, pleasant, and service-oriented image to customers. Develop leadership ability and customer service skills. Demonstrate ability to work well under stressful conditions and as part of a team. Gain knowledge of the process of merchandise flow, an overview of signing, pricing, and presentation, and the ability to plan, organize, and lead. Develop ability to communicate in a concise manner. Be prepared to start as a trainee before advancing to other positions.

Banking

Commercial Lending

Branch Management

Operations

Strategies: Develop sales skills and good analytical skills. Take courses in accounting and finance. Obtain part-time employment or an internship position in a bank. Develop strong interpersonal and communication skills in order to work well with a diverse clientele. MBA required for most positions related to investment banking.

Brand Management

Strategies: Results orientation and creativity are desired attributes. Develop strong interpersonal, communication, and analytical skills. Obtain a broad background in advertising, research, consumer behavior, and strategy. Plan on pursuing an MBA for most brand management, consulting, and research opportunities.

Market Research

Strategies: Develop good interpersonal skills and effective communication skills, both verbal and written. Good analytical and problem solving skills are critical. Preparation in statistics, mathematics, and behavioral science is required. Plan on obtaining an advanced degree in business or statistics.